News 11:00

BULLETIN 2 November 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula calls for immediate arrests amid the Madlanga Commission hearings
# The retail giant Walmart launches its first African store in Johannesburg
# And in tennis: Auger-Aliassime is to play Sinner in the Paris Masters final

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged law enforcement to act swiftly and make arrests where evidence exists, without waiting for the Madlanga Commission to conclude. Mbalula’s stance contrasts with the ANC’s earlier July position emphasising due process. The commission is probing corruption and political interference within South Africa’s justice system. Speaking at the OR Tambo Memorial Lecture in the Eastern Cape, Mbalula says immediate accountability is vital:

# Former National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega has dismissed allegations that controversial businessman Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala visited her home before his arrest. The allegation was made by a detective, identified as ‘Witness C,’ during the Madlanga Commission hearings. Phiyega insists she has never met Matlala and has requested formal guidance to dispute the testimony. The commission continues probing political interference and corruption within the South African Police Service.

# The National Youth Development Agency is developing an internal artificial intelligence policy to fund youth-led businesses in the digital economy. Deputy chairperson Bonga Makhanya says the agency aims to partner with government entities to drive technological growth as many young people in tech lack support to scale their businesses. He emphasised to SABC News that AI will improve the agency’s service delivery and internal processes, strengthening youth development initiatives:

# Retail giant Walmart has made its African debut with the opening of its first branded store at Clearwater Mall in Johannesburg. Operated by Walmart-owned Massmart, the store introduces the brand’s “Every Day Low Prices” philosophy to South Africa. Massmart CEO Miles van Rensburg says the launch marks a new and meaningful chapter in South African retail. Store manager Onicca Mothapo, who has 20 years retail experience says leading Walmart’s first African branch is a dream come true.

# A 38-year-old woman has been charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy in connection with the Louvre jewellery heist in Paris. She is among a total of seven people who have been arrested over the raid, which was carried out while the world-famous museum was open to visitors on 19 October. Four thieves stole nine items worth an estimated 1.7-billion-rand in less than eight minutes. The heist exposed major gaps in the Louvre’s security, with Paris police chief Patrice Faure telling politicians that ageing security systems had left weak spots.

# And finally tennis: Jannik Sinner is one win away from reclaiming the world number one ranking after he thrashed of Alexander Zverev in the Paris Masters semifinals on Saturday, setting up a final clash with Felix Auger-Aliassime. Sinner will replace rival Carlos Alcaraz at the top of the rankings if he beats Auger-Aliassime later today.  The Canadian and Sinner have split their four previous meetings, although the world number two has won the past two including in this year’s US Open semifinals. Four-time Grand Slam champion Sinner is now on a 25-match winning streak on indoor hard courts.

Stay tuned for more news………….